# How does casting work in the UK?

> Casting in the UK runs through one main platform, Spotlight, and through actors' agents. The casting director sends a breakdown, agents suggest clients, and actors audition in the room or on tape. The performers' union is Equity. Child performers are licensed by local councils. UK casting directors also use open calls and street casting to find new faces.

## What makes up the UK system?

| Part | In the UK |
|---|---|
| Main casting platform | Spotlight |
| Performers' union | Equity |
| Casting directors' body | Casting Directors' Guild (CDG), formed in 1996 |
| Child performers | Licence from the child's home local council, with a council-approved chaperone |
| Tax incentive | One national expenditure credit, 34% for film and high-end television, tied to a cultural test |

## What does that mean for a production?

- **One platform.** The casting director sends the breakdown through Spotlight and agents suggest clients there. The production does not need its own account. See [what Spotlight is](https://www.cwcasting.co.uk/questions/what-is-spotlight).
- **Equity terms.** British actors are usually engaged on terms negotiated with Equity. If some of the cast belong to a union in another country, confirm with both unions and your production lawyer which terms apply.
- **Self-tape rules.** Since 2021 UK guidelines agreed by the CDG, Equity, the Personal Managers' Association and the Co-operative Personal Management Association ask for at least four days' notice and no more than six pages for a first tape.
- **Children.** Licences come from the council where the child lives, and a council can refuse an application made less than 21 days ahead. See [the rules for child actors](https://www.cwcasting.co.uk/questions/rules-for-child-actors-in-the-uk).
- **Accents and place.** British stories are often tied to one town. For the Alma's Not Normal pilot CW Casting held two days of open auditions in Bolton to cast people who sound like Bolton.

## What are the stages?

Brief, search, tapes and auditions, recalls, decisions, then deals and contracts. [The casting process](https://www.cwcasting.co.uk/for-productions) sets out each one.

## Sources

- [Spotlight: how casting directors and agents use Spotlight](https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/getting-work/how-casting-directors-and-agents-use-spotlight/)
- [The Casting Directors' Guild](https://www.thecdg.co.uk/)
- [Backstage: UK self-tape best practice guidelines, August 2021](https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/casting-directors-equity-best-practice-self-tapes-73820/)
- [GOV.UK: performance licences and supervision for children](https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children)
- [BFI: about the UK creative industry expenditure credits](https://www.bfi.org.uk/apply-british-certification-expenditure-credits/about-uk-creative-industry-expenditure-credits)

This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change. Check the sources and take professional advice for your production.

Last checked: 9 October 2026. Page: https://www.cwcasting.co.uk/questions/how-does-casting-work-in-the-uk